Four members of the Virginia men’s basketball program have now declared for the 2019 NBA Draft. Redshirt junior forward Mamadi Diakite, who saved UVA’s 2018-19 season with a game-tying basket as the buzzer sounded at the end of regulation in the Cavaliers’ Elite Eight matchup with Purdue, became the latest to announce his NBA intentions.

In this official release from Virginia men’s basketball, Diakite said: "I would like to thank God for the opportunity to play this game at such a prestigious university. I have grown so much from my first day on Grounds both on and off the court. I would like to announce my intentions to declare for the NBA Draft. This process will allow me to test the waters, get valuable feedback and participate in the pre-draft process. Regardless, I know that UVA will always hold a special place in my heart."

Diakite also announced his decision on Instagram.

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I would like to thank God and my wonderful family for the opportunity to play this game at such a prestigious university. Just a boy from Conakry, Guinea!!! This has been an unbelievable experience and I can’t even begin to put it in to words. I have grown so much from my first day on Grounds both on and off the court which is why I am confident in announcing my intentions to declare for the NBA Draft. This process will allow me to test the waters, get valuable feedback and participate in the pre-draft process. Regardless, I know that UVA will always hold a special place in my heart. @justinmaxey1

A post shared by Mamadi Diakite (@_mdiakite) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-04-17T21:09:38+00:00">Apr 17, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT</time>

As is the case with the three other Cavaliers - Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter and Kyle Guy – who have declared, Diakite is hiring an agent. Different from past years, an undergraduate student athlete declaring for the NBA Draft can hire an agent yet still return to school. In order to return to school, the student athletes must withdraw from the NBA Draft no more than 10 days after the conclusion of the NBA draft combine. This year’s combine takes places May 14-19 in Chicago.

"Like Kyle (Guy), Mamadi is taking advantage of the new NCAA rules to make the best decision for himself and his family,” Virginia head basketball coach Tony Bennett said. “Mamadi really improved this season and became a reliable defender, rim protector and interior scorer. We will support Mamadi throughout the process."

Diakite had a breakout 2018-19 campaign, establishing career highs in points per game (7.4), rebounds per game (4.4) and blocks (63). He surged in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 10.5 points, 8.2 boards and 2.7 blocks per contest. His game-tying basket in the Elite Eight led to UVA defeating Purdue in overtime, earning the Hoos a spot in the Final Four. Of course, Virginia would go on to capture the 2019 National Championship, the first championship in the history of the Cavalier men’s basketball program.

For now, Virginia has three scholarships available for the 2019-20 season. However, there is still a chance Guy and/or Diakite decide to return. Hunter and Jerome, meanwhile, are expected to stay in the draft.

While we wait to see who stays and who goes, redshirt sophomore Jay Huff took to Instagram to announce his future plans.

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I would like to thank God, my family, and my friends who have all supported me through this journey. These past three years have been more than I ever dreamed it could be, and this team accomplished so much during my time here. With that being said, I would like to officially declare my intentions to STAY at the university of Virginia and finish out my time here. A HUGE congratulations to my teammates who have declared for the NBA draft, and I wish you guys the best of luck. Thank you for everything you’ve done. We’ll be here competing for another championship. Made y’all nervous, didn’t I?

A post shared by Jay Huff (@jay.huff.142) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-04-18T00:02:49+00:00">Apr 17, 2019 at 5:02pm PDT</time>